The Carabao Cup first round delivered a night of drama, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing their places in the second round. Football fans witnessed thrilling penalty shootouts and surprise upsets across the competition.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights
The Carabao Cup first round featured 35 matches, with several Premier League and Championship clubs entering the fray. West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, while Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Millwall also advanced, defeating QPR 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.
Penalty Shootouts Dominate the Night
Penalty shootouts were a recurring theme, with Barnsley, Reading, AFC Wimbledon, Preston, Doncaster, and Shrewsbury all progressing via spot-kicks. The shootout drama kept fans on the edge of their seats, as several ties ended level after 90 minutes.
Notable upsets included Lincoln City beating Derby County 2-1 and Birmingham City defeating Swansea City 1-0. Meanwhile, Leicester City narrowly overcame Northampton 1-0, and Norwich City thrashed MK Dons 4-1.
Carabao Cup First Round Results Table
| Match | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | West Ham |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 (4-3 pens) | Burnley |
| QPR vs Millwall | 1-1 (0-2 pens) | Millwall |
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 (5-4 pens) | AFC Wimbledon |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 (6-5 pens) | Barnsley |
| Bradford vs Rochdale | 2-0 | Bradford |
What the Carabao Cup First Round Means for Clubs
Advancing in the Carabao Cup provides clubs with valuable match experience and a potential route to silverware. For lower-league teams, a run in the competition can bring financial rewards and memorable nights. The first round also gives managers a chance to rotate squads and assess fringe players.

Key Takeaways from the First Round
- West Ham showed resilience with a comeback win over Portsmouth.
- Burnley survived a scare against Notts County, winning on penalties.
- Millwall edged out QPR in a tense shootout.
- Several lower-league teams, like Bradford and Crewe, secured impressive victories.
- Penalty shootouts were decisive in 7 ties, highlighting the competitive balance.
Carabao Cup First Round: Looking Ahead to Round Two
The second round will see the introduction of Premier League clubs not involved in European competition. The draw will take place in the coming days, with fans eagerly anticipating potential giant-killings. The Carabao Cup continues to provide excitement and unpredictability across English football.
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